God's judgment of God's love

Isn’t it better to speak of God’s love rather than to speak of His judgment?

You can't express the love of God to an individual without declaring His judgment of sin. Consider this: How do we know the love of God towards us? Through the cross of Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently draws a connection between the two (Read John 3:16; Rom 5:8; etc).

How can a person speak Biblically concerning the cross of Jesus Christ without mentioning our sin and the judgment of God for our sin? You can’t! What was happening on the cross? Our sin was being judged. The cross shows us just how serious God views sin. What was happening on the cross? Jesus Christ, who was perfect and had no sin, was bearing the punishment that we deserve because of our sin (Read 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). Jesus satisfied the justice of a Holy God and purchased the redemption of all who will believe (Read Rom 3:24-26). This great sacrifice manifests the love of God to us (Read 1 John 4:9-10).

The Biblical way to express the love of God towards an individual is to speak of the exceeding sinfulness of their sin and the punishment they deserve because of their wickedness. Once you have shared this, then—and only then—share with them the mercy and goodness God has shown to them in Jesus Christ. It is only when a sinner begins to see the severity of their sin against God that they will begin to grasp the great love God has for them. When a sinner realizes their great need, they will see that the grace of God is truly amazing. It is then that they will readily appreciate and appropriate the free pardon that is offered in Jesus Christ.

For further study read Acts 10:42-43 (this text shows that the Lord Jesus Christ has clearly commanded that we declare the judgment of God). Also read Acts 17:30-31 (this text shows that the reason mankind is commanded to repent is "because" God has appointed a Day of Judgment).

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